HOUSTON (AP) - The Latest on heavy rains that have flooded some parts of the Houston area (all times local):
4:20 p.m.
A Houston business owner whose store was flooded by heavy rains in the Houston area says he got about 1 foot of water in his resale shop and will have to throw away at least $2,000 worth of merchandise.
Jose Luis Ruiz sat inside his shop in North Houston Tuesday afternoon after sweeping out water and moving soggy merchandise, including furniture, suitcases and small appliances, outside to dry.
The shop is in a strip mall located behind Halls Bayou, one of the many waterways that help channel storm runoff to the Gulf of Mexico. Halls Bayou overflowed from its banks, flooding streets and structures.
Ruiz says his business has flooded twice before and he’s looking to move.
Officials are still determining how many businesses and homes were flooded on Tuesday.
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11:14 a.m.
Heavy rains have caused flooding in the Houston area but officials say the downpours stopped just before there could be potential for serious damage to a wide stretch of homes and roadways.
Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist with the Harris County Flood Control District, says 5 to 6 inches of rain fell overnight Tuesday in some parts of the Houston area.
Officials reported nearly two-dozen water rescues Tuesday. Lindner says he expects some homes and structures will be flooded but that tally is still being determined.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash-flood watch for the region until Wednesday morning.
Lindner says a break in the rain Tuesday should help waters recede from bayous and streets.
The same storm system brought widespread flooding to San Antonio and other areas Monday.
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7:13 a.m.
Torrential rains have brought more flooding to the Houston area as emergency officials urge motorists to stay home until the water recedes.
About 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain have fallen across much of Harris County, including Houston, and more has swamped suburbs west of the city.
Authorities are warning motorists of more than a dozen areas of high water along highways. Fire officials say they’ve conducted about two-dozen water rescues Tuesday, mostly pulling drivers from their stranded cars.
Houston officials launched emergency operations early Tuesday following the heavy rain that began a day earlier. The National Weather Service has issued flash-flood warnings for the region.
The same storm system brought widespread flooding to San Antonio and other areas Monday.
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